Manchester United and Tottenham face crucial Premier League tests as Arsenal and Manchester City aim to maintain their perfect starts.
Michael Carrick heads into another crucial Premier League weekend under growing pressure as Manchester United seek to halt a difficult run, while Tottenham Hotspur face an urgent need to end their league goal drought.
United’s latest setback came in dramatic fashion at Old Trafford, where they surrendered a two-goal lead before losing 3-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup third round.
The defeat was United’s third in six matches across all competitions and added to concerns surrounding Carrick’s start to the season. The club have won only one of their opening four league matches and will face Fulham on Sunday after losing their last two games.
Carrick accepted responsibility for the Brighton defeat but insisted his squad has the quality to recover.
“Of course we can turn it around,” Carrick said. “It’s all about what you do next and dealing with the moments, and the ups and downs.”
Another setback against Fulham could increase the pressure on United. Fulham are also struggling near the relegation zone and are still searching for their first league victory of the campaign.
Tottenham have an even more pressing issue ahead of Saturday’s home meeting with Aston Villa: goals.
Roberto De Zerbi’s expensively rebuilt Spurs side have yet to score or win in the Premier League this season. Tottenham have collected two points from four matches and sit 17th in the table.
The club spent more than $300 million during the summer transfer window after narrowly avoiding relegation last season, but their difficult start has revived concerns about another troubled campaign.
Tottenham also suffered a 3-1 defeat against Liverpool in the League Cup during the week, adding further pressure ahead of the Villa match.
Aston Villa have collected just one point from four league games, meaning both teams enter Saturday’s contest seeking a first league victory of the season.
Tottenham forward Omar Marmoush called for unity within the squad as the team attempts to respond.
“These moments build the mentality and the team together. We are all one big family and we push together,” he said.
At the top of the table, Arsenal and Manchester City have made perfect starts, winning all four of their league matches. Arsenal lead on goal difference, with City level on points.
Arsenal travel to Brighton on Saturday, while Manchester City host Sunderland on Sunday. Both teams will seek to maintain their winning records before the international break.
About The Author
